Friends of actress and television host Karla Estrada put up a community pantry in celebration of her son’s 26th birthday on Monday, April 26. (Photo:Rowena Young)
TACLOBAN CITY—Residents of a resettlement site in the city drew aid from a community pantry set up by friends of actress and TV host Karla Estrada in celebration on Monday (April 26) of the 26th birthday of her son, actor Daniel Padilla.
Rowena Young, one of the organizers, said Estrada’s friends chose to set up a community pantry at the Pope Francis Village at the village of New Kawayan as it was the only resettlement site in the city where there was no community pantry for people who are suffering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are happy that we can celebrate the birthday of DJ (Daniel John Padilla) with people who are in dire need of provisions during this time of a pandemic,” said Young, a 41-year old businesswoman.
“Karla and DJ have expressed their interest to join us but are also preoccupied with their works,” she added.
The community pantry, called “Sangkay,” a Waray term which means friend, started operations on Sunday (April 25).
Organizers said at least 500 residents of the site received free vegetables and grocery items in the community pantry .
Pope Francis Village is one of the resettlement sites of the city government for families whose houses were destroyed when Tacloban City was pummeled by Super Typhoon Yolanda, one of the world’s strongest storms, on Nov. 8, 2013.
Estrada, who hails from Tacloban City, and her son had also helped Yolanda survivors.
They hope to replicate community pantries in other areas.
In a post on social media, Estrada said she was touched by her friends’ actions.
“Thank you very much to my friends in Tacloban for organizing a community pantry. You did it to celebrate the birthday of Daniel. It’s a joy to help other people. To God be all the glory,” she said.
TSB